Inconspicuous
Adjective
Definition: Not clearly visible or attracting attention.
Synonyms: Unseen, Unnoticed, Invisible
Antonyms: Conspicuous, Noticeable, Prominent
- The spy dressed in inconspicuous clothing to blend into the crowd.
- The small, inconspicuous house was easily overlooked.
- "Inconspicuous" sounds similar to "inconsistent" - something inconsistent is also hard to notice or observe consistently.
- Think of an inconspicuous person as someone wearing a camouflage cloak, making them blend in with their surroundings.
Etymology:
The word "inconspicuous" originated from the Latin word "inconspicuus" which means "not conspicuous". It is composed of the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and the word "conspicuus" meaning "conspicuous".
Historical Usage:The word has been in usage since the late 17th century, evolving from the Latin origin to its current form.
Related Idioms:
"Fly under the radar"
Explanation:This phrase means to go unnoticed or to remain inconspicuous. It is often used to describe someone or something that avoids attention or scrutiny.
Misconceptions:
Some people may confuse "inconspicuous" with "invisible", but they are not synonymous. "Inconspicuous" refers to something that does not attract attention, while "invisible" means unable to be seen.
Explanation:While both words relate to not being clearly visible, "inconspicuous" implies a lack of attention-drawing qualities, whereas "invisible" suggests an inability to be seen at all.